I. Documents and Papers

Passport: original and 2 photocopies. It is best to keep the photocopies separate from the original, in different places. The first page of the passport, which includes the passport number, date and place of issue, and the pages containing valid visas should all be copied and saved. In case of loss, this will allow you to provide the relevant information quickly and shorten the replacement process. If your passport is lost, report it to the police immediately; after obtaining a proof of loss, apply for a replacement at the Chinese Embassy in the UK.

Pounds sterling in cash

RMB in cash

Credit card: if you have an international credit card, it is best to ask in advance how repayment works for overseas spending. When coming to the UK, it is best to use a sterling card.

Bank draft and photocopy: if you have arranged a bank draft, traveler’s checks, or a credit card, write down the relevant numbers so that you can notify the bank immediately if anything is lost.

School admission letter: original and 2 photocopies. It is best to keep the photocopies separate from the original, in different places.

Graduation certificate: this refers to copies of your degree and academic credentials, plus English versions. Keep them accessible in case they need to be checked or verified.

University transcript

Accommodation booking confirmation: including the detailed address and telephone number.

Visa materials: bring them in case they are checked.

International Travel Health Certificate and International Certificate of Vaccination: the orange-red booklet and yellow booklet issued after the medical examination.

Passport photos: 10-20.

II. Electrical Appliances

Laptop computer

Network cable: 2-3 meters long.

Portable hard drive

Power plug adapters: 2-3.

Power strip

Battery charger and rechargeable batteries (AA, AAA): if you have devices that require batteries, definitely bring them. Batteries are very expensive in the UK.

Rice cooker: not essential. If you buy one, choose a lower-powered, small, and lightweight model.

Electric kettle: useful for boiling water quickly or making instant noodles. Dormitories usually provide one, but renting privately is another matter.

III. Clothes, Shoes, and Hats

Underwear: 5-8 sets.

Cotton socks: 5-7 pairs.

Stockings: bring both long and short ones; they are expensive in the UK.

Overcoat

Light down jacket with lining: it does not need to be too thick; an ordinary one is enough. It should have a hood and preferably be waterproof, as it rains a lot here.

Thin sweater/cashmere sweater: outerwear for spring and autumn. Indoor heating is strong, and time spent outdoors is short.

Shirts/T-shirts

Sportswear: decide whether to bring it according to how often and how you exercise.

Trousers: casual/denim/washed, and so on, in different thicknesses. Bring one thicker pair for the coldest days, preferably wrinkle-resistant. If you live in a dormitory, laundry usually costs 1-2 pounds per wash.

Skirts: from a practical point of view, no need to bring them.

Slippers: they should be sturdy and water-resistant.

Cotton slippers: indoors are generally warm; if there is no space, do not bring them.

Trainers: waterproof ones. Foreign-name brands are cheaper abroad than in China. Wearing one pair when you come is enough; do not buy a new pair especially for the trip. Bring an old pair and leave them behind when you go.

Casual shoes, shoe polish

Belt

Swimsuit: optional. Schools generally have swimming pools, but you may not have time.

Tips:

As long as you stay within the weight limit, prepare the clothes you will need during your first period in the UK according to the principles of practicality, sufficiency, and looking decent.

Make sure all clothing will not shrink, because clothes here are basically tumble-dried rather than air-dried naturally.

The principles for choosing clothes are: cotton first, comfort first, durability first.

If you do not already have something suitable, do not buy it in China. Low-priced clothing in the UK is very close in price to that in China, though mid- to high-end clothing is still very expensive.

IV. Luggage and Bags

Checked suitcase: 30 inches. First ask the airline about regulations on the size, number, and weight of checked suitcases.

Rolling suitcase: if your carry-on luggage is overweight, do not use a rolling suitcase.

Waist bag: for storing documents needed when leaving and entering the country. Wear it around your waist, so you will not be flustered when taking things out for inspection. It can also hold your passport, credit card, cash, and so on.

Backpack

Women’s handbag: not much use; if you are overweight, do not bring it.

V. Daily Necessities

Toothbrushes: expensive abroad. Bring enough yourself, 5-6.

Toothpaste: bring small tubes. The cheapest toothpaste in supermarkets is around a dozen pence per tube.

Tooth cup: the lightest kind, plastic.

Bath towel: expensive in the UK.

Towels: prepare several. It is best to bring them all yourself; the ones sold here are quite rough.

Sewing kit: very expensive.

Comb

Hair clips/hair ties

Hair gel: not expensive in the UK. You can bring a small travel-sized bottle.

Soap: bring a small travel-sized bar.

Facial cleanser: bring a travel size.

Shampoo: bring a small travel-sized bottle.

Shower gel: bring a travel size.

Skincare/cosmetics: travel sizes are enough; these products are cheap abroad.

Perfume: cheap abroad. If you have one you already use regularly, you can bring a small bottle.

Sanitary pads, panty liners

Clothes hangers: 3-6. In the UK they are about 10 for 1 pound. It is recommended to bring trouser hangers, which are rarely seen in the UK.

Vacuum bags: add a pump.

Glasses: very expensive abroad. If you are nearsighted, it is best to bring 2 pairs. Also bring your prescription from China as a backup. The NHS provides free glasses services for low-income groups, but that depends on your luck.

Small flashlight

Adhesive wall hooks

Swiss Army knife

Pillowcase: expensive in the UK.

Single duvet cover: expensive in the UK.

Single bedsheet: very expensive in the UK.

Quilt: quilts here are quite cheap.

Tips:

First check what the school dormitory provides, then decide whether to bring your own and how many sets. The size of a single bed in the UK: 90 cm wide and 190 cm long. Single duvet cover size: 135 cm x 200 cm. Household items can be bought at INDEX and ARGOS.

No mosquito net is needed; mosquitoes here do not bite.

It is not recommended to bring too many cleaning products. They are not expensive here.

VI. Stationery and Books

Electronic dictionary, English-Chinese and Chinese-English dictionary: theoretically somewhat useful.

Document folder, pencil case

Signing pens: ballpoint pens are generally used. There is no requirement that certain places must be signed with a rollerball or fountain pen, and in fact pens here are not expensive.

Ballpoint pens, mechanical pencils, lead refills, pencils, 2B eraser, scissors, ruler

Lecture folders: you can leave them behind.

Notebook: not expensive abroad.

Computer software: bring some for Chinese systems and put them in checked luggage.